Birmingham City - Barnsley Betting Preview: Back the Blues to be too strong

22/09/2012 6:00:00 PM

Lee Clark's men have been in impressive form at St Andrew's this term and Willie Duncan expects them to keep that run going when they face the Tykes on Saturday evening

Birmingham City will look to maintain their unbeaten home record in the Championship this season when they host Barnsley on Saturday evening.

The Blues have collected seven points from their three matches at St Andrew’s this season, including three points courtesy of a 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday, and Lee Clark’s side are warm favourites at 13/20 (1.65) with PanBet to grab another victory there this weekend.

Barnsley, by contrast, have been beaten in all three games on their travels this season, conceding 10 goals in the process.

It is no surprise to see Keith Hill’s side chalked up at a chunky 11/2 (6.50) with PanBet to pick up their first away win of the season at St Andrew’s, while the same firm go 11/4 (3.75) that both sides are forced to settle for a share of the spoils.

Clark’s charges are traditionally solid at home and, in fact, have not lost a league encounter at home since February, so they can be trusted to produce the goods here and the 73/50 (2.46) quote from PanBet for the Blues to lead at both half-time and full-time seems to represent excellent value.

The Tykes have been guilty of leaking goals this term and, with that in mind, the 37/50 (1.74) quote from PanBet for Birmingham to score two or more goals should be snapped up by shrewd punters here.

Those seeking value may be tempted by PanBet’s correct score market and a comfortable 2-0 victory for the Blues is sure to attract support at 9/1 (10.0) but, given that they have managed just two clean sheets in their last 20 competitive matches, it might be more worth taking a chance on a 2-1 win for Clark’s men at a tasty 7/1 (8.0) with PanBet.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Birmingham to score two or more at 37/50 (1.74) with PanBet

Birmingham to win 2-1 at 7/1 (8.0) with PanBet

Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football betting markets from across Europe. You can also follow Willie on Twitter

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